Sydney, Australia – March 21st, 2022 – Microids is over the moon today as Syberia: The World Before has launch on Steam, GOG and the Epic Games Store. Dive head first into the universe created by Benoît Sokal with this latest installment of the famous Syberia series. In this new adventure, play as Kate Walker and Dana Roze, two women capable of moving mountains to uncover the deepest buried mysteries.
Watch the Launch Trailer
Syberia: The World Before is now available on PC (Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store) and will launch later this year on consoles.
Vaghen, 1937: Dana Roze is a 17-year-old girl, who is beginning a brilliant career as a pianist. However, shadows begin to appear over her future as the fascist threat of the Brown Shadow hangs over Europe, at the dawn of the Second World War. Taiga, 2004: Kate Walker survives as best she can in the salt mine where she has been imprisoned, when a tragic event propels her into a new adventure in search of her identity.
Set off on an adventure across continents and through time. Play as both Kate Walker and Dana Roze as you get to the bottom of mysteries that have remained buried for too long.
Explore the fantastic and poetic world of Benoît Sokal, with its breathtaking sceneries and iconic characters.
Unveil a mysterious plot sprinkled with puzzles in the traditional Syberia’s fashion!
Discover two captivating stories with incredibly high stakes written by Benoît Sokal and Lucas Lagravette.
Allow yourself to be transported by the symphonic soundtrack composed by Inon Zur (Syberia 3, Fallout, Dragon Age, Prince of Persia)
PC Review keys for Syberia: The World Before are available upon request.
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About Microids
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset, Philippe Dessoly and Pierre Adane), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, including Asterix & Obelix, and Titeuf, Garfield, Fort Boyard, XIII and Blacksad, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
About Benoît Sokal
Benoît Sokal began drawing for À Suivre magazine in 1978. At this time, he created the Inspector Canardo series, featuring a depressed anthropomorphic duck detective with a penchant for cigarettes, alcohol and femmes fatales. In 1996, he started the video game project Amerzone, published by Microids. Benoît Sokal is one of the first graphic novel artists to design, implement and supervise the entire production of a video game. He then went on to become Microids’ Art Director, publishing his second game, Syberia, in 2002. He was recognized as “Person of the Year” at the 2002 video games Phenix Awards; Syberia was crowned “Best adventure game of the year” in 2002 in the USA. In April 2004, the release of Syberia 2 met the same success as the first episode of the saga and was greeted with enthusiasm by fans all over the world. With Syberia 3, Benoît Sokal chose to stick with the old-fashioned way of drawing with pencils and watercolors, rather than using digital tools, giving his universe and characters a very distinctive look. A multi-talented artist, he also crafted the beloved game story and the characters’ dialogue. During these last months, Benoît Sokal was working with the teams at Microids and Koalabs on the upcoming game Syberia: The World Before.
Despite his prolific career in video games, Benoît Sokal never let go of his original passion, and released the graphic novel Kraa in 2010. He also developed the Aquarica universe for several years with his friend François Schuiten, together, they adapt Aquarica as graphic novel, which first part has been published in 2017, the second one is expected for 2022 second semester.
Leveraging the Power of Cloud Computing to Enable Unprecedented Freedom, Scalability, and Flexibility for the Games of Tomorrow.
Sydney, Australia – March 21, 2022 –Ahead of the Games Developers Conference (GDC), Ubisoft announced Ubisoft Scalar, a new cloud-native technology for game development. Ubisoft Scalar unlocks the power and flexibility of cloud computing for Ubisoft’s game engines – the software used for creating games – reducing dependency on players’ hardware and providing new possibilities for game development and player experience.
Spearheaded by Ubisoft Stockholm in collaboration with Ubisoft studios located in Malmö (Ubisoft Massive), Helsinki (Ubisoft Redlynx), Bucharest and Kyiv, the Ubisoft Scalar team looks to establish a new game development framework focused on crafting the ideal game design and experience, rather than working around traditional production constraints.
As a platform-agnostic cutting-edge technology, Ubisoft Scalar brings developers and players the inherent freedom and benefits of a cloud-native experience to power the games of tomorrow.
Unprecedented scalability, flexibility and creative freedom for developers
Built on a microservice architecture, Ubisoft Scalar places each component and system of traditional game engines independently in the cloud (AI, audio, physics…), moving from the closed, single-processor systems of today to a distributed model across a potentially unlimited number of machines. Games using this technology can therefore leverage a virtually infinite amount of computing power to push the envelope on all aspects and run anything from vast virtual worlds to extremely deep simulations and environments that were previously unachievable.
With scalability as a core design decision, one of Ubisoft Scalar’s key differentiator lies in its on-demand philosophy. The technology dynamically starts and stops services, optimized based on players and developers’ activities to only use required computing power in real-time. This optimization extends to intensive compute tasks that are cached and distributed globally, removing the need to recompute what has been computed already.
In addition, the flexibility of cloud computing also enables developers to update and improve one service without impacting others, or even add new features to a game without interrupting play sessions, meaning no patch to download and no downtime for players.
Christian Holmqvist, Technical Director at Ubisoft Stockholm says, “This is a major moment in our careers as game developers. We feel that same inspiration and freedom as when we first started using our home computers as teenagers – that feeling that you can do anything by fully tapping into the power of cloud, for the first time in gaming.”
Limitless, dynamic, persistent worlds for players
Removing historical frictions between creativity and technology, Ubisoft Scalar lets creators fully focus on game design to offer radically new gaming experiences to players. Natively cross-platform and scalable, it allows them to gather by the millions in a singular, shared virtual environment for new types of games and massively social experiences. And with cloud-accelerated systems, game worlds also reach a new level of persistency where players actions can have an immediate and lasting impact on their environment, opening the doors to new forms of emergent gameplay.
Ubisoft Scalar will progressively be made available to all Ubisoft studios whose future projects require cloud capabilities. Home to this groundbreaking technology, Ubisoft Stockholm is actively working on a new IP leveraging its full potential to deliver an experience at a scale never seen before. More information about this project will be revealed at a later date.
A foundational technology, Ubisoft Scalar stems from the recently created Production Technology department, a transversal group of more than 500 tech experts with the mission to develop the best tools and technologies that bolster Ubisoft game creators to bring their visions to life.
“Ubisoft builds on 35 years of continued investment in R&D and proprietary technologies, because technological independence is a critical differentiator,” saysGuillemette Picard, Ubisoft’s VP of Production Technology. “Ubisoft Scalar is in line with that spirit, enhancing both our creativity and our unique co-development model with new, seamless ways to collaborate at a global scale. It marks a step forward and an exciting milestone for the gaming community”.
To find out more about Ubisoft’s Technology vision and updates, visit: Ubisoft.com/technology
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2020–21 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,241 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoft.com
It’s crazy to think that is has been over two years now since we have seen a release of a mainstream wrestling title. After the failures of WWE 2K20, 2K and Visual Concepts gave us an extended break with the hope they could restore the name of their once great franchise. For some fans, the extra time in the oven was appreciated. Others have found new takes on the sport through independent projects. The once labeled “Smackdown!” franchise means a lot though, and to most, this was a last chance to see the squared circle done right. The big question is did they get it right, or is this yet another entry into the hall of shame? Let’s find out.
Story
There are two narrative driven modes within WWE 2K22. The first comes from the returning Showcase mode, this time featuring WWE mainstay Rey Mysterio. In this mode, players lace up their boots as the famed luchador as he retells parts of his career through various matches. From his famed bouts with Eddie Guererro to present day fare – where you enter tag-team action with his son. Showcase this year seems to be a short but heartfelt package to pay homage to a living legend. I usually detest the past versions of Showcase modes with 2K’s wrestling titles as they felt incompatible with the game’s own engine. Players are always required to not only play a match but also synchronize that match with the cutscenes that take place as moments are occurring in real-time. This time around, the flow works out much better with the new combat mechanics involved, allowing for one of the most fluid and enjoyable takes on the mode to really shine. That isn’t to say that there were not moments of frustration or glaring omissions to Mysterio’s storied career, but what is here is done well and most should be able to come away with a little respect for both the talent and development team due to how much effort was applied.
MyRise takes the reigns of the “Season” mode of sorts, allowing players to create a Superstar from scratch, take to developmental, and watch as they rise (and falter) on the main roster. To its own benefit, MyRise is a much more streamlined product than the clunky story modes of the past, as it cuts out a lot of the currency driven fodder for simple storytelling that makes the player feel far more involved and in control. Players now receive most of their updates through a social media stream, and their own choice of shows, responses, and even gender will make each experience unique, adding some importance to the actions and reactions they make. Having these decisions also adds in some replay value as well, so even after the credits wrap – there are still a lot of opportunities to trek through other tales that take place within Raw, Smackdown, or NXT. Yes, simplicity works well enough this year, but at times it can be to a fault, as a lot of the stories feel dated or re-used from the actual show. MyRise also starts the player with very limited resources for creation and fails to really find a way to intertwine unlockable customization with the story as more options open. Sure, you may now have the ability to change your Superstar to your liking, but with mild difficulty and no real incentive to do so, why really bother adjusting anything other than stats if the story doesn’t highlight any character evolution? MyRise isn’t a bad story mode, but still never manages to capture most of the game’s touted features – making the experience overall feel a little hollow.
Gameplay
Gameplay is where it really matters. The past few entries of the WWE 2K franchise have had a lot of roughness that has driven away longtime fans for obvious reasons. From poor AI that made specialty matches a chore to timed input mini-games deciding pins, submissions, and everything else under the hood – we haven’t had a chance to really experience the product without tedious control or game-breaking glitches in years, and that goes back much further than WWE 2K20. This year, Visual Concepts have delivered a scaled-down version of the game’s old engine, replacing a lot of the unnecessary “depth” with simple fighting mechanics that for once feel fresh and intuitive. This is largely due to the new combo-driven combat system in place of the old grappling mechanics of the past. While most of the same moves can be executed, players now can string together a combo of attacks to unlock stronger techniques.
No longer do players have to worry about limited counters either, as combos tie into reversals seamlessly, with the player able to now reverse almost everything based off their inputs. For example, every Superstar has a variety of strikes within their arsenal. Once a combo is flowing, you can then add in holds or attacks for a much more fluid combination, ultimately gaining the advantage in a match. Reversals may now be unlimited, but the combo system compliments the redesigned mechanic well, with the player having just one button to perform a counter. If that button is missed – you must now guess what type of attack the player is going to perform next (out of light, strong, or grapple attacks) to perform a counter, or ultimately take the full string as a lesson of your own timing. I get that the change may seem a bit intimidating for older players, but this new take on a fighting system feels far more enjoyable and accessible this year.
I remember the first time I played a match with limited reversals online years ago. Every match nearly had the same result. No matter how seasoned you were, the opposing player always knocked you down, and then did light attacks and stomps to have you quickly eat up all counters available. Once your chosen combatant ran out of counters, you would then be objected to that same opponent slamming you over and over with strong attacks until they almost effortlessly picked up the win with very little work. It was broken, and this finally feels like a long-term solution to a problem that has taken a lot of the “simulation” experience out of the core gameplay. Call it what you want, but this may be the first title in the franchise (since the 2K takeover) to get it right with the gameplay as matches feel a lot less predictable and more exciting this time around.
That pesky AI still has some issues, but largely has been overhauled as well. Specialty matches play out much better, with the opponent not only understanding the concept of how to win, but also continuing to fight in-between attempting to perform an objective. This means if you are Jeff Hardy challenging Undertaker in a ladder match, Undertaker will now try to weaken you before getting the ladder – rather than just constantly whipping the player out of the ring and running up to grab the briefcase after every attack. I truly cannot overstate how welcome the enhanced AI and new reversal/combo gameplay to the experience, as much like their tagline, it does “hit different” in all the right ways.
With all the praise of what’s new, there is a lot to be said still for issues 2K22 has. While the gameplay is refined, new bugs manage to bring down an otherwise stellar product. The collision detection is a major step back, with the player unable to connect or pick up weapons without a lot of extra effort. Table matches and other focused match types involving a weapon finish now feel like a chore as character models do not get interrupted unless the timing and placement are near perfect, meaning just grabbing a chair will have you fumbling while the once downed opponent gets to their feet. There are other animation bugs when it comes to interaction with the environment, and hopefully we will see these addressed in patches in the future.
The creation suite has all the options you could want to create anyone you can think of, but the amount of crashing and backtracking to different portions of the suite is frustrating to say the least. I spent a good deal of time creating two former WWE Superstars. Once I finished one attire, I needed to add an entrance, grab an image online with the uploader, and add it in as a render for the in-game selection menu (which is a nice addition – I might add). On both occasions, the loading times just going through costume parts were excessive and exiting out and going back into other portions of the creation menu caused the game to crash. That was just my own experience on the Playstation 4 version of the game. It’s almost as if the game is too large to fit within its own package.
Creation isn’t the only headache. Online play may be better due to the new gameplay engine from a competitive standpoint, but players now quit frequently with no timeouts or punishment for exiting a match. Imagine, you spend over six hours perfecting a Superstar to take online and show the world, only to have the player quit during a pin. What if Andre the Giant just said “nah” to Hogan after that scoop slam and rolled out of the ring? Lobbies have made the online mode more organized and playing with up to seven other players is a great concept – but the servers are still fickle and can drop frequently. Add in players quitting almost every match and the novelty for fighting the world grows thin to non-existent in record time.
Rounding out this year’s entry is the inclusion of MyFaction, as well as MyGM – a redesigned GM Mode, which hasn’t been featured during 2K’s entire tenure as the publisher of the franchise. MyFaction is basically like the mobile card games WWE offers but adds in real gameplay to mix things up. Players create their faction of talent by opening packs of cards, receiving bonus attributes and buffs for other cards they equip. They then fight in matches, and based on the outcome, get to climb various ladders of progression in what feels like a never-ending trek that has little point other than to add microtransactions into the game. MyFaction is kind of an intriguing concept and certainly not a bad addition, but it doesn’t really feel like it fits in this year’s game. This mode also keeps some versions of Superstars exclusive within its own walls, meaning you may get to see The Godfather or Nikki Cross (pre-Nikki A.S.H.), but you can only experience them within this tacked-on mode.
MyGM is a general manager mode of sorts – but stripped down a bit to just focus on singles and tag matches. Players select a GM, choose a roster, and must properly budget their way to ratings success, unlocking boosts and buffs that can hurt their rival or increase their own production of their show. I’ll admit I had a bit of fun here and finished a whole 15 week set in one sitting. Even though there is untouched potential here, what is delivered is fun and a step in the right direction for what we could see in the future.
Visuals
This may be the best-looking wrestling game to date. Most character models look fantastic, and fluid animations and a heavy amount of detail do a lot to make this feel close to the actual product. I remember years ago wishing that how Superstars looked within entrances could be replicated in matches, and this is surely the closest we have come. There are some clipping issues at times and the usual odd model morphs, but it feels like a lot more effort was made to the presentation this year without harming most of the offerings within. Sure, you will see variances in quality with wild hair and occasionally bland textures, but the amount of visual easter eggs and realistic actions do enough to outweigh the negative, making for a great wrestling game to show off to friends.
Audio
Your enjoyment soundtrack for 2K22 will come down to your tastes. I personally am not big on modern rap but changing to entrance themes utilizing the game’s jukebox is still available and continues to be a nice feature. Commentary isn’t too shabby, either. Our team now focus on calling moves and don’t bring up random conversation as much as they used to, making it feel far more like a play by play and less like three men arguing in a disjointed conversation. Some Superstars also voiced their own characters, which has mixed results in terms of effort applied as hearing a bored wrestler during an otherwise exciting scene can damper the special moments that 2K22 attempts to deliver.
Overall
I have been with this franchise since the first Smackdown title debuted on the Playstation. I have seen it at its highest of highs and lowest of lows. It has been a ride, to say the least, but one I honestly left after the last entry with no intention of getting back on. This isn’t just the only mainstream wrestling series left. It was a home, a special place for fans to create a community and come together, celebrating the sport that we all love for different reasons. For some people, this was their entry into wrestling altogether. For others, it was a way to re-create and reinforce why they continued to give the struggling television program another chance. That is why it was so important for Visual Concepts to deliver this year.
WWE 2K22 is a game with a good number of bugs and other issues that bog it down. At times, it feels that the game is tripping over its own feet just trying to stand up. That said, it also offers the most needed update possible to an archaic design in order to finally address real reasons that fans stopped playing. For that – it is easily the greatest entry in the franchise in over a decade. I didn’t play wrestling games to get sold a product, or to trudge through glitches due to cumbersome ideas that were never fleshed out. I played to have fun, and to relive a product that has brought me a lot of joy since I was a kid. WWE 2K22 does that, as it’s accessible, enjoyable, and finally makes the player feel like they are back in control. It does hit different, and thankfully – this is all for the right reasons.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Joins us for the fist hour and half of Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin as we team up with Jed, Ash and Neon and embark on our mission to cleanse the world from the clutches of darkness and eliminate Chaos once and for all and save the Kingdom of Cornelia. We enter the Chaos Shrine and complete the first main mission: Illusion at Journey’s End.
“When darkness veils the world, four warriors of Light shall come”
With the memory of their struggle buried deep in their hearts… Fight your way through fierce battles with a variety of means to defeat your enemies. With multiple difficulty options and a wide selection of jobs and weapons available to customize your party, you can choose exactly how you want to play. Will restoring the crystals’ light usher in peace or a new form of darkness? …Or perhaps something else entirely?
Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin Developer: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Publisher: Square Enix Website: https://square-enix-games.com/sopffo/en-us/ Platform: Windows Release Date: 18th, March 2022 Price: $89.99 AUD
Recommended – “Stranger of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin is an action game in the vein of Nioh that celebrates the 35th anniversary of Final Fantasy in a splendid way..”
LOS ANGELES – MAR. 18, 2022 – Hawkeye, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop),and Maya Lopez will ready their weapons in Marvel Future Fight’s new update themed after ‘Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye series with new uniforms, content, and enhancements awaiting players today.
Three all-new uniforms inspired by Marvel Studios’ Hawkeye for Hawkeye, Hawkeye (Kate Bishop),and Maya Lopez, can now be collected by players. Today’s update also adds the S.H.I.E.L.D. Archive, which collects information of various items and Super Heroes within MARVEL Future Fight. Rewards are also given once this information is collected by players.
Other updates coming to the game include:
Story Auto Play and Repeat functionality has been added to Story missions
Hawkeye can be upgraded to Tier-3 now and has a new Ultimate Skill added
Hawkeye (Kate Bishop) and Maya Lopez now have new Awaken skills added, and can now be Transcended
MARVEL Future Fight celebrated its sixth anniversary with over 120 million players across the world. The game is currently available worldwide in theApp Store® and Google Play™.
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Seven Knights 2, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, MARVEL Future Revolution, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com
About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media.
App Store is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.
Collect Extra Inetrion Ore via Weekly Server Conquest Mode Activities; Convert Inetrion Ore to INETRIUM via INETRIUM Refinery
LOS ANGELES – MAR. 18, 2022 – Netmarble Corp., a leading developer and publisher of mobile games, is excited to announce the launch of A3: Still Alive’s INETRIUM Refinery, which allows players to convert the Inetrion Ore to INETRIUM, and also lets them to store INETRIUM in their MARBLEX Wallet.
While the further updates to be applied progressively, the players can enjoy the INETRIUM by exchanging in-game goods as well as freely utilizing it outside the game.It can be also converted into Netmarble’s proprietary currency, MBX in the near future.
To celebrate the latest updates, Netmarble’s collaboration event with KLAYTN is bolstering players’ anticipation. 33 players will be selected to receive 777 of KLAY via the Inetrion Ore Shop’s in-game events. Various in-game rewards are also available to players who reach level 190 and 200 in newly opened servers. Further, especially for those who link MARBLEX Wallets to their accounts, will receive a Red Diamond and 1,000 of Blue Diamond, as well as the opportunity to become one of 50 winners to win 5 KLAY. The latest updates and exclusive events can be found via Discord, and check out the overview for this month’s events HERE.
Other details regarding A3: Still Alive’s new updateinclude:
Weekly Server Activities: Every Saturday, players can directly obtain Inetrion Ore by conquering the Skad ‘Sky Isle’ and ‘Floating Island’ territories in A3: Still Alive’s Guild vs Guild PvP ‘Conquest’ mode. By winning the mode, the guilds will have the privilege to get a portion of the total Inetrion Ore from the server as a tax.
Inetrion Dungeon – By using Radienne’s Protection, players can collect Inetrion Ore in the new dungeon. There are three tiers of dungeons that offer differing rates for obtaining Inetrion Ore, which are described below:
Tier 3 – Level 190 or above players can enter, without PvP enabled
Tier 2 – Level 200 or above players can enter, with PvP enabled
Tier 1 – Only players who conquered Skad ‘Sky Isle’, and ‘Floating Island’ via the ‘Conquest’ mode can enter
Set in an apocalyptic fantasy world of swords and sorcery, A3: Still Alive is a cross-genre mobile experience that pairs the enormous and living worlds of Open-World RPGs with the extreme combat of Battle Royale. Players must be vigilant in an always-open Player vs.
Player (PvP) environment as they fight against enemies with intense hack & slash combat and prove their mettle in a variety of PvP and Player vs. Environment (PvE) modes. A3: Still Alive is beautifully rendered with splendid console-quality 3D graphics that are brought to life thanks to the outstanding optimization of the Unity Engine.
A3: Still Alive is now available as a free digital download (with in-app purchases) on Apple’s App Store and Google Play, in 172 countries around the world. The game is also available for download as an Open Beta for Windows PC via A3: Still Alive’s website.
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Marvel Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com
The Way of the Warrior update brings dozens of rewards to the sci fi online game
StarGem Inc. and Gaijin Entertainment announce the release of the major Content Update “Way of the Warrior” for the space online action Star Conflict. Players will participate in an event of the same name and fight for the key prize which is the new Jericho Kirishima fighter spaceship.
The first stage “Way of the Warrior” event has started and it will last for three months. There are dozens of missions available to the players and they are rewarded with Kirishima ship parts, useful resources, cosmetic items, and other prizes. Some of the rewards are available to all players, while Way of the Warrior Battle Pass owners will be able to get all of them. In addition, during the event, all pilots earn a special game currency called xenochips and may use it to purchase unique content.
The Kirishima spaceship is designed to carry out patrol duty and defend outposts, its task is to delay the advance of the enemy and provide allied ships with cover. It is equipped with a force shield, a mine-setter and an energy absorber that can drain energy from nearby enemies.
There are 266 spaceship classes and over 1000 types of spaceship modules available in Star Conflict now.
You can read more about the ship and other Star Conflict news on the official website of the game.
About Star Conflict Developed by Star Gem Inc, Star Conflict is an action-packed, massively multiplayer space simulation game that puts players in the role of elite pilots engaging in a widespread interplanetary skirmish. The game includes a wide variety of battleships, from light and fast interceptors to powerful fighters and well-defended frigates. Players can choose to go alone or team up with friends to form powerful alliances. The combination of strategic and skill based gameplay in Star Conflict allows players to develop their abilities and establish specialized skills. Official website: http://star-conflict.com/
About Star Gem, Inc. Star Gem, Inc., an inhouse Targem studio, was established in 2011 by game industry veterans, with the goal of bringing high-quality online entertainment to players worldwide. Star Gem is dedicated to the creation of the cutting edge Sci-Fi Action MMO Star Conflict. Official website: http://stargem-games.com/
About Gaijin Entertainment Gaijin Entertainment is the developer and publisher of the online games War Thunder, Crossout, Enlisted, CRSED: F.O.A.D. and Star Conflict as well as other PC, Mac, Linux, PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, iOS and Android titles across several genres. The company’s diverse portfolio has received a range of mass media and game industry awards including such as Gamescom Award and many more. Official website: http://gaijinent.com/
Pre-register Today to Earn Special Rewards on Launch Day
LONDON (March 18, 2022) – SQUARE ENIX LTD today announced that players can now pre-register for the mobile action RPG Echoes of Mana™, the next game in the beloved Mana series, on the App Store® and Google Play™. Echoes of Mana is a free-to-play mobile RPG that features an original story that weaves together both new and beloved Mana series characters alike. Players who pre-register will receive special in-game rewards when the title launches later this year.
Watch the new Echoes of Mana trailer here:
The Echoes of Mana pre-registration campaign is live beginning today will reward players at launch with in-game prizes based on the number of pre-registrations. Rewards include enough Spirit Crystals for one 10 summon, a 3★ Primm (Boomerang) ally from Secret of Mana®, as well as a Memory Gem featuring original art by HACCAN.
Designed and developed by WFS, Inc., Echoes of Mana is a new free-to-play action RPG coming to mobile devices worldwide in 2022. Players can enjoy a new story featuring new characters as well as returning characters from previous Mana games. The title also enables players to easily pick up and play the “2D action” that is synonymous to the series, and players can also take part in a multiplayer mode with up to three people.
Echoes of Mana will be available as a free download for iOS and Android devices in 2022. Text will be supported in English, German, French, Japanese, Traditional Chinese and Korean. For more information, visit: EchoesOfMana.com.
About The Mana Series The Mana series, known as Seiken Densetsu in Japan, is a long-running action-RPG series spanning multiple entries for nearly three decades. The series is known for its enchanting characters, story and music, as well as pioneering an action-oriented approach to traditional JRPG combat. With the release of Collection of Mana for Nintendo Switch™ in 2019, new and existing players can now immerse themselves in the enchanting world of the Mana series with the first three classic titles—FINAL FANTASY® ADVENTURE, Secret of Mana® and Trials of Mana™—in their original form. In 2020, a full high-definition 3D remake of Trials of Mana was also released for modern platforms, selling over one million copies to date. An updated version of Legend of Mana™ released on June 24, 2021, bringing remastered visuals and the “Ring Ring Land” mini-game to the West for the first time.
About WFS, Inc. WFS is a technology-driven company based in Tokyo that is focused on bringing the amazing to you via three core businesses: content, solutions, and platforms. Starting in 2014 with “Shometsu Toshi,” WFS has released several hit titles, including “Another Eden: the Cat Beyond Time and Space”, “DanMachi – MEMORIA FREESE -”, “That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime ISEKAI Memories (distributed by Bandai Namco Entertainment),” and “Heaven Burns Red” in its lineup and is proactive in worldwide distribution. https://www.wfs.games/en-us/
About Square Enix Ltd. Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal®. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 164 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
ECHOES OF MANA, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. App Store is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Free Demo for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Also Available for Download
LONDON (March 18, 2022)– SQUARE ENIX® today announced that STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN™ is now available. Developed in collaboration with Team NINJA from KOEI TECMO GAMES, creators of the NINJA GAIDEN and Nioh series, this new action RPG brings a bold, new vision to the FINAL FANTASY® series that both existing fans and new players alike can enjoy.
Watch the new STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN launch video here:
Players can also try out the free demo, available now on consoles. Save data from this demo will carry over to the full game, allowing players to seamlessly continue their full journey once purchasing the game.
In STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN, players can experience an alternate retelling of the classic FINAL FANTASY story, with a blend of challenging and strategic action-packed gameplay set in the world and lore of the beloved series. Players can join Jack and his allies, Ash, Jed, Neon and Sophia, as they throw open the gates of the Chaos Shrine and step into a world of dark fantasy and take on exhilarating battles to discover if they are truly the Warriors of Light the prophecy foretold.
STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is now available on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via the Epic Games Store. Players who purchase the Digital Deluxe or Digital Standard Editions of the game prior to April 19, 2022 can obtain the Rebellion weapon as an early purchase bonus. STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN is rated M for Mature by the ESRB. For more information, visit: https://www.square-enix-games.com/sopffo
ABOUT KOEI TECMO GAMES KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. is a subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO GAMES consists of six development brands creating innovative and iconic game series extending across a wide range of genres: KOU SHIBUSAWA, ω-Force, Team NINJA, Gust, Ruby Party, and midas. Signature series include ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS, NOBUNAGA’S AMBITION, Winning Post, DYNASTY WARRIORS, SAMURAI WARRIORS, Toukiden, Nioh, NINJA GAIDEN, DEAD OR ALIVE, Atelier Ryza, BLUE REFLECTION, Angelique, and La Corda d’Oro.
ABOUT Team NINJA Team NINJA is one of KOEI TECMO GAMES’ six brands, with development teams specializing in creating hardcore action games. Their most famous series include: NINJA GAIDEN, DEAD OR ALIVE and Nioh, and the team consistently develops new titles that receive praise from all around the world.
About Square Enix Ltd. Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal®. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 164 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
FINAL FANTASY, the STRANGER OF PARADISE FINAL FANTASY ORIGIN logo, CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, EIDOS MONTREAL, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. “PlayStation,” “PS4” and “PS5” are a registered trademark or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Bringing a collective 60 years industry experience, Social First welcomes Marco Sandrini, Jari Ravantti and Aki Raula to the team
Finnish game studio Social First, founded in late 2021 by games industry veterans Kim Soares and Mikko Kähärä continues to grow quickly, with the recent hire of a Chief Technology Officer, Marco Sandrini, Head of Design, Aki Raula and Senior Devs Ops Manager, Jari Ravantti.
Marco Sandrini, Chief Technology Officer Marco, originally from the Italian Alps, has lived in Finland for 24 years, and joins the team with significant experience in the software and hardware industry, starting his career at Nokia Research Center and moving into the mobile games industry, working at studios such as Kuuhubb, a publicly listed (Toronto) games company. After a decade of focusing on mobile games, Marco says “the chance of building something cross-platform with such an experienced team is really really exciting”. Marco will be overseeing and managing the technical direction of the business with focus on new technologies such as blockchain gaming.
Aki Raula, Head of Design Aki is a true design veteran of the global games industry. With decades of working in and leading game design at studios such as EA, Ubisoft, Remedy and Housemarque, Aki will be leading the design side of game productions at Social First. He will build the wider design team and will be working alongside game leads and company management to actualise Social First’s vision. Aki says, “I’m really excited about joining the veteran team at Social First to create something new from the ground up.”.
Jari Ravantti, Senior Devs Ops Manager Jari is joining the team with varied experience in both the gaming and financial sectors, with a focus on financial sector transaction validation protocols, dev ops and QA over the last few years. His “rare combo of fintech and game dev background is a perfect mix for future web3 gaming environments” says President Mikko Kähärä. Jari will be working with the development and operations team to lead toolchains and processes.
“Welcoming Marco, Aki and Jari to the team is an exciting step in Social First’s journey as we continue to grow the team and bring a great blend of top-notch expertise and knowledge to the business from a varied backgrounds” says President Mikko Kähärä.
The Social First team will be attending GDC on 21st-25th March 2022 in San Francisco. If you are interested in arranging a meeting or would like to find out more about their recruitment process, you can get in touch with the team at [email protected] or via their website.
About Social First Social First is a team of accomplished game developers who have formed an independent studio based in Helsinki, Finland. CEO Kim Soares and President Mikko Kähärä founded Social First in 2021 with the mission to create games that are social experiences, span decades and extend beyond gaming; giving players platforms to create meaningful relationships with people all across the world. The team is backed by Play Ventures and a syndicate led by Joakim Achrén. For more information on Social First and their work, please contact Sophie Riordan, PR & Communications, at [email protected].
